Trail Runner Blog Symposium: Is it easier to date a fellow runner or a non-runner?

The answer to the question lies within another.   Is running your lifestyle, or is it your hobby?

For me endurance sports is a lifestyle.  It doesn't pay the bills (aka: a job) but when I'm not locked between 4 walls I can be found,  with little exception,  running,  biking, or swimming. If I had been inclined to date a non-runner we would likely never cross paths.  We would be ships passing in the night.   Rather, I met my husband while running.  He sold me my first pair of custom fit running shoes and invited me to travel with a group of runners from our town all racing the Chicago Marathon.

I admit, we take running to the next level.   Wedding?   Vegas marathon run-through ceremony,  of course.   Honeymoon?   Ironman World Championship in Hawaii.   Vacation?  How 'bout a week in Pebble Beach following the Big Sur Marathon.  Or the Tahoe Rim Trail Ultra with some bonus days in the mountains.  It's our passion.

Without him I'd still be passionate about running, but it's soooo much better to have someone to share it with,  someone who gets it.  We get to laugh over a post race beer about things that happened during the run.  Our favorite spectator's sign running through Wellesley College.   Where on the trail I took a wrong turn.   How I missed a PR by 9 seconds because I had to stop and tie my shoes.

A non-runner would have to listen to my stories,  but just wouldn't get them.  I would feel sorry for him.  I would feel guilty spending all my time on the trails and not with him.   He would start to feel resentment.  We would fight about priorities.  Eventually it would end tragically,  hopefully prior to any legal commitment.   We would both turn to our passions to mend our broken hearts.  I'd run twice as much in an effort to forget the pain I caused and endured.  I'd end up injured and have to take time off from running furthering my mental anguish....

No, no.  It's better I just stay far away from non-runners.  Nothing good can come from that.

Trail Runner Blog Symposium: What constitues an unfair advantage?

What constitutes an "unfair advantage" in a trail race, and what—if anything—should be done to even the playing field?

The topic rolled into my inbox from Trail Runner Magazine along with some related links to discussions on pacers in ultramarathons.  Nice, I thought, another controversial topic.  Though I thoroughly enjoyed reading all the stories last month of people who inspire, I was ready to hear some debate again. 

I've run many trail races, ranging in distance from 5k to 50 miles.  I aspire to one day join the ranks of 100-mile finishers.  Every race has it's own set of rules and regulations.  As a racer, it is my responsibility to understand the rules and abide by them.  For most races, it's easy to read the information provided by the race director on the race website.  Important things are generally outlined in detail.

Can you use headphones?  Are pacers allowed?  Where are pacers allowed to run- in front of the racer or behind them?  At what point in the race are pacers allowed to jump in?  Do I have to follow the marked path, or can I cut switchbacks (as is legal in European racing)?  From whom can a runner receive aid?  And where can that aid occur?  What are the time cutoffs?   

Many races, particularly the longer distance ones, have pre-race meetings during which the race director covers specifics on the course as well as rules that the runners are required to follow.  It is my opinion that an unfair advantage constitutes a racer taking it upon themselves to NOT abide by the rules of their given race.  They gain an advantage by cheating, disregarding the rules.   

Let me use the Tahoe Rim Trail Ultra as an example because I have raced it twice and am familiar with the rules (which happen to be very clearly stated on their website).  At the TRT, safety runners are allowed after the 50 mile checkpoint for the 100 mile event.  Crew are allowed at Diamond Peak (mile 30 and 80) as well as the start/ finish line (mile 50).  Runners may receive aid from crew within 100 meters of a fully stocked aid station.  Safety runners must run behind the runner and may not carry any fuel/ gear for the runner (also known as muling).  Safety runners are to ensure the safety of the runner.  So they may suggest that the runner take in fuel or water, but they cannot physically hand them something outside of an aid station.  At TRT safety runners are specifically not called 'pacers' because they are not allowed to set the pace - which would require running in front of the racer.  TRT discourages the use of headphones.  Though they still allow runners to use them, they are absolutely not allowed within 1/4 mile before or after an aid station.

So what should be done if rules are broken?  In my opinion, immediate disqualification.  In Ironman racing there are different levels of penalties.  Some penalties incur a brief stop to sign in at a penalty tent.  Others require a 4 minute time penalty served on course.  And others result in immediate disqualification.  I think if we want to enforce rules, and make things fair across the board, disqualification is the answer.  Many racers don't care enough about serving a time penalty.  But remove them from the race entirely, and they might think twice about believing they are above the rules.

When reading through some of the debate that took place on Trail Runner's Facebook page, I found it very ironic how many people were against pacers or safety runners being allowed, but not one person made mention of the use of headphones. 

Personally, I hate running with music.  I would love for its use to be banned in all races.  In many trail environments I believe it is downright dangerous not to be able to hear wildlife, but in a racing situation I find it extremely frustrating to find myself yelling "ON YOUR LEFT" after casually asking to pass someone only to realize (after the 5th attempt) that they have ear phones in and can't hear me.  And I can personally attest to the fact that you can hear a pissed off rattlesnake long before you'll ever see him on the trail.  Imagine if I couldn't hear him cause I have music blaring in my ears...

Do I have an issue with pacers or safety runners?  No.  I think it's one of the fun, unique things about our sport.  In a 100 mile event, a racer may be out on course for anywhere from 18-36+ hours depending on the time cutoff.  And if you happen to be racing a smaller event, it's very possible that you will be entirely alone for a good chunk of that time.  In the two times I've raced at TRT, I've been completely alone on the trail after mile 12.  Yes, I might pass someone or be passed, but I was alone in my race outside of the company of the aid stations.  I didn't mind it.  Part of the joy of trail running is the solitude and being one with nature.  But I think one of the things people love most about trail running, and specifically ultra running, is the feeling of community that builds amongst participants.  Being able to share your experience with others makes your experience more meaningful, and that includes the family and friends who've supported you in training.   

Inspiration: In Unassuming Form

As part of the Trail Runner Blog Symposium, I was asked to reflect on someone who inspires me in the trail running community.  At first, I was a little disappointed we wouldn't be tackling another controversial topic.  But then, I smiled, thinking about the person who most makes me want to run.  Run 100 miles, that is.

I can't remember the first time I met Eric Glass.  It's like I've known him forever.  I often joke that 'he's the little brother I never wanted', cause that's how I see him.  As family.  When you've grown up and moved away, your family expands to include the friends you surround yourself with and I'm glad Eric stumbled into my life.

Family hanging out and hiking at the Grand Canyon.

How does he inspire me?  When he sets a goal, he runs and runs and runs and doesn't complain and doesn't over-analyze.  He doesn't worry about every minuscule detail and whether or not he's done enough track workouts or hill repeats.  He thinks about his diet 90% of the time, but allows himself room to celebrate and enjoy life.  He puts in the work during training so that on race day, it's not a question of if, but how.  He makes me believe that I, too, can run 100 miles, a lofty dream I've had since the day I saw him run his first 100.

Getting a little rub down between loops at JJ100.

Stretching.  Keeping it loose at JJ100.

When Eric signed on to run the Javalina Jundred in 2010, I was first in line to be crew chief.  I wanted to be drill sergeant and crack the whip when need be.  Turns out, I was the one to be schooled.  I was first to witness the power of positive mindset, and attitude, and conviction.  My experience, crewing and pacing for Eric at JJ100, was my first lesson in what is really required to finish 100 miles and what a beautiful thing it is to witness someone, completely in their element, doing something extraordinary. 

Eric and crew finishing up JJ100. 

Pride, strength, commitment.  And a few great friends to help you along.

Eric moved away last winter, to blend with the family of the girl he loves.  I miss our chats about training over beer and pizza.  I miss having a running partner that doesn't care if it's 4 AM or how many laps we run around Tempe Town Lake.  I miss having someone I can call and say, 'let's go hit the trails'.  But even from across the miles, he inspires me and makes me want to be a better trail runner.  To go for my goal, even if it's lofty.  I just pray that when it's my turn, I'll complete 100 miles with just as much grace and strength as he did.  And if all goes right, he'll be there to run the last 1/4 mile by my side.   




Toasting to a good day on the trails, North Rim Lodge.